Neumann KH 150 Monitor Review

[Drew456]

Would there be any scope for neumann to 'improve' the sound power linearity via a dsp firmware update? Or is it something set in stone at the design stage? Somehow I doubt they would acknowledge it despite the CEA2034 measurements, but I'm just wondering if it was possible to do from a technical standpoint? Perhaps a stupid question but just curious.

I'm happy with the sound of my Kh150's regardless, although far from happy about having to send them back for repair.

 

[unpluggged]

Would there be any scope for neumann to 'improve' the sound power linearity via a dsp firmware update?

What do you mean by "sound power linearity"? The DSP is specifically there to limit power output at certain frequency ranges to protect the drivers, if this is what you mean. So this is exactly the opposite to what you are asking for.

 

[Drew456]

the dip in the sound power outside the nearfield..or have I been hallucinating when reading some recent posts?

 

[mj30250]

I have both Ascend Acoustics LXs and the KH 150s. I've never compared them side-by-side but have listened to hundreds of hours of both. My "seat of the pants" impression would be that they are quite similar. I'm sure differences would begin to manifest in a direct, level matched comparison but I suspect the "better" speaker would depend largely on use case. The more controlled directivity of the Neumanns likely makes them better for nearfield/desktop use. I wouldn't be surprised if I preferred the LXs in a more farfield application. Of course, the Ascends require you to bring your own amplification, equalization/room correction, etc.

 

[Joaquinín]

Would there be any scope for neumann to 'improve' the sound power linearity via a dsp firmware update? Or is it something set in stone at the design stage? Somehow I doubt they would acknowledge it despite the CEA2034 measurements, but I'm just wondering if it was possible to do from a technical standpoint? Perhaps a stupid question but just curious.

I'm happy with the sound of my Kh150's regardless, although far from happy about having to send them back for repair.

Looking at those graphs, it seems that the Kh150 is more linear than the Sointuva in the nearfield ("on axis" or "listening window" lines). Being a proffesional monitor, the Kh-150 is optimized for nearfield or heavily treated rooms (proffesional studios), while the Sointuva is optimized for home listening, where reflected sound has a bigger role. Just a humble opinion based on what I have read here at ASR.

 

[Pritaudio]

AsciLab A6B active might rival this.
Price wise not so sure.
They haven’t launched internationally yet…

What about the amps. If they were hypex/purifi I’m sure they would mention it.

 

[staticV3]

What about the amps. If they were hypex/purifi I’m sure they would mention it.

Ascilab use Hypex Plate amps for their active speakers (FAxxx).

 

[Pritaudio]

There was a comment on the build quality on these March audios somewhere with pictures showing air gaps near the banana plugs on the back I think.
But I’m not sure it was these or another manufacturer.
I shouldn’t really mention it if I’m not sure.

The REAL Problem of March Audio's Sointuva WG (Review, Measurements and Reinforcements with Klippel device)

I am not good at English. Therefore, this post was written with the translation help of many people in Korea. I am very grateful to them. I am an audiophile publishing speaker reviews to audio communities. Currently, I am using Klippel Distortion Analyzer 2, Earthworks M30 mic, and a DIYed...

www.audiosciencereview.com

 

[Pritaudio]

The ascend acoustics lx model claims to have a custom woofer which punches above its weight.
Probably can’t rival the purifi woofer though. Still much smaller.

 

[Pearljam5000]

Why don't Neumann just use Purifi's woofers and call it a day?

 

[thewas]

Why don't Neumann just use Purifi's woofers and call it a day?

Because they have good drivers made to their own specs and also using Purifi drivers would raise their product prices a lot.

 

[Matias]

The ascend acoustics lx model claims to have a custom woofer which punches above its weight.
Probably can’t rival the purifi woofer though. Still much smaller.

To be fair it is an amazing speaker for its price range. I am considering buying it for a smaller system elsewhere.

 

[uwotm8]

they have good drivers made to their own specs

Literally every manufacturer, who uses drivers from a specialized driver manufasturer, either says nothing about OM or claims who's the supplier but with a "they're made to our specs" mark. Maybe. Or maybe not and it's just a typical "selling" phrase.
https://www.audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?threads/neumann-kh120-disassembly-pictures.11975/ this is Peerless SDS, one of the best among budget drivers. We will never know either it's tailored "to specs" or not.
However, this one from KH 150 looks way more serious https://www.audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?attachments/1699845323863-png.325828/ and nothing like Peerless or someting easily recognizable. Quite a uncommon chassis.

Also, looking at current Adam A lineup, seems like a trend of last years is to switch to "your own" drivers (whoever makes them). They used Eton woofers in previous A range (it was claimed), now it's "their own" MLM, rockwool fiber etc, and the only drivers with similar structure what comes to mind is Focal.

 

[Pearljam5000]

Literally every manufacturer, who uses drivers from a specialized driver manufasturer, either says nothing about OM or claims who's the supplier but with a "they're made to our specs" mark. Maybe. Or maybe not and it's just a typical "selling" phrase.
https://www.audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?threads/neumann-kh120-disassembly-pictures.11975/ this is Peerless SDS, one of the best among budget drivers. We will never know either it's tailored "to specs" or not.
However, this one from KH 150 looks way more serious https://www.audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?attachments/1699845323863-png.325828/ and nothing like Peerless or someting easily recognizable. Quite a uncommon chassis.

Which woofer is in the KH120 II?

 

[uwotm8]

Which woofer is in the KH120 II

Curious I am as well! But I didn't find any real teradown pics.

 

[AnalogSteph]

https://www.audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?threads/neumann-kh120-disassembly-pictures.11975/ this is Peerless SDS, one of the best among budget drivers. We will never know either it's tailored "to specs" or not.

Actually the consensus I remember was more like HDS performance (if not even better) with an SDS steel basket. These drivers are no joke. The 5.25" Purifi has them beat by about 6 dB on peak level around 100 Hz if memory serves, but that would be much too expensive.

 

[uwotm8]

the consensus I remember was more like HDS performance (if not even better) with an SDS steel basket. These drivers are no joke.

Did anyone tested them deeply?
Ofc Tymphany could do that mix easily for a decent amount (we're talking about tens of thousands I assume).

 

[VTKZ]

Yea the drivers are pretty damn good.
I use the KH150 in my home theatre with an Low Cut and Subs and i'm amazed about the SPL stability.
Watched Dune yesterday, and also the opening show of the Let it Roll festival (wich i visited last year for the 3rd time - Genre: Drum&Bass).
With an 60-70Hz cutoff (not 100% sure what i set up) i got 106 dB at a listening distance of 3m, which is crazy in my opinion for the size and also that theyre not realy made for this kind of application. And theyre still able to perform pretty acourate so you dont loose resolution.
So when this is not an good sign for the driver quality, i dont know… And i think the Tweeter dies before the Low-Mid Driver SPL wise.

 

[thewas]

Literally every manufacturer, who uses drivers from a specialized driver manufasturer, either says nothing about OM or claims who's the supplier but with a "they're made to our specs" mark. Maybe. Or maybe not and it's just a typical "selling" phrase.
https://www.audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?threads/neumann-kh120-disassembly-pictures.11975/ this is Peerless SDS, one of the best among budget drivers. We will never know either it's tailored "to specs" or not.
However, this one from KH 150 looks way more serious https://www.audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?attachments/1699845323863-png.325828/ and nothing like Peerless or someting easily recognizable. Quite a uncommon chassis.

Also, looking at current Adam A lineup, seems like a trend of last years is to switch to "your own" drivers (whoever makes them). They used Eton woofers in previous A range (it was claimed), now it's "their own" MLM, rockwool fiber etc, and the only drivers with similar structure what comes to mind is Focal.

As AnalogSteph writes the Neumann drivers are customized for them and in this form not available to anyone else, I have been to the Neumann monitor labs two times in the past and have seen also their own Klippel Scanning Vibrometer System.

 

[40th Anniversary]

Ahb2 + Amphion? $$